Wild Welcome Defenseman Zidlicky Back To Practice

minnesota wildMarek Zidlicky #3 of the Minnesota Wild awaits a face off during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on Dec. 9, 2010 in Glendale, Ariz. (credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Wild defenseman Marek Zidlicky has returned to practice on a limited basis, a significant step in his return from the shoulder injury he suffered five weeks ago.

Zidlicky said after non-contact drills with the team Monday he felt good to be back, but he’s still working on his conditioning. Neither Zidlicky nor coach Todd Richards put a target on his return, but the original recovery timetable was four to six weeks.

Zidlicky got hurt during a hit against San Jose on Dec. 29. He decided not to have surgery and rehabilitate instead.

The Wild have missed his hard right-handed shot from the blue line and his presence on the power play. But they’ve overcome his absence and climbed back into the Western Conference playoff race.